Opinion-Jeanni Atkins/AP/NEMS360.com: "A growing number of citizens around the country realize how essential it is to assume responsibility for keeping tabs on local and state government within their communities. They understand that they have a real stake in decisions made by mayors, boards of supervisors, city councils, schools boards and other decision-makers who set policies and spend taxpayer funds. But citizens trying to stay informed face considerable frustration despite the open meetings and public records laws."
